Land leasing

Forestry Commission Scotland would like to increase the amount of new productive planting.

We are offering the opportunity for farmers and other landholders to lease land to Forest Enterprise Scotland (the Forestry Commission Scotland agency that manages the government’s forests), who will establish new productive woodland, and then hand it back to the landholder at the end of the lease period.

This approach is designed to complement our programme of acquiring land for woodland creation where it will provide significant public benefit.

Applications can be submitted for consideration at any time.

Concept

The concept has three main components:

Lease – agree and conclude lease terms

Planning - design, consultation and approval of planting design

Woodland creation - the work on the ground.

Private sector providers may have a role in each component.

Offer and funding

There are two routes to lease:

Option A

This option is intended for the majority of farmers and landholder applicants, who wish Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) to manage and deliver all of the planning and woodland establishment operations.

Forestry Commission Scotland will enter into a ten-year lease for land that meets the criteria and fund a proportion of legal costs. We will prepare a forest design plan and establish productive woodland, but will not expect to pay a significant rental.

All associated costs will be covered by FCS where we deliver with our own staff, or paid directly to our appointed contractors.

Option B

This option offers agents, estates and landholders who have the required skills and experience, to submit a fully costed proposal to manage the design, establishment and maintenance process.

Forestry Commission Scotland will enter into a ten-year lease for land that meets the criteria and fund a proportion of legal costs.

Applications that are deemed to provide good value for money will be funded in full via the applicant's nominated Agent/Contractor.